This 1972 Jaguar XJ6 is an Amazing Restomod
A pristine exterior, gorgeous interior, and updated drivetrain make this XJ6 restomod a very sexy proposition.
As I’ve written about for the forum previously, a Jaguar XJ6 was the car which made me fall in love with cars. I’ve also unapologetically admitted that the XJ6 I bought as a result was a lump. I looked for a Jaguar with a Chevy engine because I turn a wrench about as well as I turn down free drinks, so reliability was a big concern. Unfortunately, rust issues forced my hand with that car, and I’ve sworn that one day I’ll own the XJ6 of my dreams. This time, however, it’ll have an LS engine, and not just a small block.
So truth be told? My absolute dream car looks a lot like this gorgeous 1972 Series currently for sale at Gateway Classic Cars.
First off, there have been no substantial modifications to the exterior, which is a deal-breaker for me. Now, this example does have a the leaper hood ornament, which wasn’t a factory option for the XJ, and something I’m not the biggest fan of. But since it was a popular addition in the period, and everything else looks to be just as it was when the car rolled out of Coventry, I’m inclined to let it slide.
Maybe someone on the forum can correct me, but the paint appears to be Silver Grey, as opposed to the darker Ascot Grey which was also available for the year. It’s not the first color that pops into my head when I think about a Jaguar of this vintage, but it looks fantastic here, and all the chrome bits look to be in good nick as well. While the pictures are great, I bet it looks even better in person.
As nice at the interior presents, the interior is arguably even more beautiful. Along with acres of supple blue leather and gleaming burled walnut wood, this XJ6 boasts a detail that I long lusted after for my car — a factory radio. I just hate to see a beautiful period dash defaced by an aftermarket head unit, and that’s thankfully not the case here. Just look at how pretty it is!
Under the hood sits Chevy’s robust LS engine, which saw service in a host of the company’s vehicles — including the Corvette. The ad doesn’t list any power figures, but first-gen units made 345 horsepower, it should easily best the 313 produced by the V12 Jaguar mill of the ear. Plus, it’s significantly lighter and more compact. The V8 is mated to a four-speed TH700R4 automatic with overdrive here, which is a big upgrade from the T350 I had in my car.
While great pains have been taken to hide it, dual-zone climate control was also added at some point, which — along with the drivetrain — is another addition which should make this baby easy to daily drive.
Now, if you can’t tell, I love, love, love this car. The only thing that’s giving me pause is the $38,500 asking price. Because a lot of times, when you look at restomods, it’s clear you couldn’t build them for the money the seller is looking for — and I’m not sure that’s the case here. If you were able to find a pristine Series I for say, $15k, you’d still have 20k left over to have the swap done, which seems pretty reasonable. At $30k, I think this car would be more reasonable, and at $25k, it might even be a steal.
But what do you think? Is this awesome Jaguar XJ6 restomod worth the money? Or would you be better off building one yourself? Hit me up and let me know! Regardless, let’s all keep our enthusiast fingers crossed that this lovely machine goes to a great home.
Photos: Gateway Classic Cars